Whether you plan to travel this summer or study aboard, you better do it in style. Check out these

and suggestions from students who have gone before you.  When you finally make it overseas, you will be prepared and bedecked just like the locals (or at least you will be able to pretend you are, only stateside, if studying abroad is merely a dream).

My first city

is

, as it was my favorite city that I have visited, thus far.

BERLIN

With a population of 3.4 million, Berlin is the largest and most populated city in Germany. Still relatively young after the necessary re-unification of the city after the destruction of the Berlin Wall, Berlin is known as a major political and cultural, which highlights architecture, science, and all forms of media with a thoroughly modern sensibility. Recently, the city has become the new "it" destination, not only for travel, but also for permanent residency, as many emerging young talents are staking their roots in a city that is becoming a capital of avant-garde arts, nightlife, and festivals. This is primarily because Berlin has a relatively low cost of living, especially when compared to ever increasing international cities of London, New York, and Barcelona. The city is also super liberal, which excites young artists and designers from across the globe that feel their talents are being stunted by self-conscious  stock-holders, wishing to compete in an uber-capitalist market.

So zip around the expansive city on the superior U-bahn and S-bahn (their version of the metro) as it is seriously easy to use, to these shops, markets, and festivals to prepare for your time in this trendy and very international (almost everyone speaks English, so do not worry if you have yet to master German) city. NYU, Duke, and Davidson all feature prominent study abroad programs in Berlin, so if you want to study through an American university, check out their programs.

The swanky area around the Ku'damm in Charlottenburg, Wilmersdorf, and Schöneberg is where you will be able to find the of-the-moment boutiques and cafes, which house big name designers (Versace, Prada, Cartier, etc.) as well as smaller, Berlin-based designers. If you are looking for a more serene shopping experience, head down Bleibtren and Fasanenstrasse. Or check out these recommended stops:

1) Monella Fashion & Design                                                        
Ludwigkirchstraße 14, Berlin - Wilmersdorf | Tel: 883 18 45, Fax: no fax | Times: Mon 15-19, Tue-Fri 13-19, Sat 11-15.
 
Now one of the top designers for women's clothing and hats in Berlin, pick up some of her pieces that are collaborative efforts between her and some of the emerging Berlin talents, or maybe you will be lucky enough to stop by during the bi-annual unveiling of her collection, which local celebs snatch up and parade around town in.

2) Fiebelkorn, Kuckuck & Langheim
Bleibtreustr. 4, 10623 Berlin - Charlottenburg | Tel: 312 33 73, Fax: 312 33 73 | S-Bahn Savignyplatz
   
The large showroom at Fiebelkorn, Kuckuck & Langheim houses the collections of three independent young designers each with a passion for color. Frederieke Fiebelkorn specializes in non-traditional wedding attire; Nanna Kuckuck's pieces are detailed and feature opulent and pleated fabrics; and Inge Langheim´s collection comprises of more classical day and evening wear. Even just a visit inspires, as the store exudes Berlin chic, fusing together the youthful and tech-savvy culture with a fierce individuality that is often absent in many cities.

3) Calypso
Rosenthalerstr. 23/10119 Berlin- Mitte
Oderbergerstr. 61/10435 Berlin- P-Berg

If you cannot get enough of vintage (or vintage-inspired) shoes, run to either one of these posts of unworn or barely worn shoes from all decades. One of my personal favorite stops, the shoes are wholly unique and exactly what you would expect when one thinks of a 'vintage' shoe. You will be the envy of all your friends as you triple your stock of sandals, boots, and even fetish-y platform heels.

4) Immaculate Heart
Rosa Luxemburg Straße 28

A small, but inviting space of vintage clothing and accessories. When i stopped by the owner was mid-haircut (of a client) and super friendly. She dished stories of some pieces (they had a mix of designers from the US, London, Italy, and Germany) while my friend and I tried on black separates and ikat-print dresses. We even picked up two Christian Dior sweaters for 30 Euros, and they were in perfect condition.

5) Made in Berlin
Neue Schönhauser Straße 19, 10178 Berlin

Although extremely crowded when we visited, I would not have wanted to miss this boutique which houses a well edited assortment of treasures, all spaciously displayed so as not to overwhelm, and perfectly showcasing colorful raincoats and slim trousers.

6) Arkona Platz Flea Market
Arkona Platz, Mitte

Smallish flea market, but very likely to hold your interest as you browse excellent vinyl, sunglass, and handbag collections. Leather bags and jewelry proved to be rather expensive, but I found a lot of records that are hard to come by in the U.S. and were definitely a steal. Also, all the vendors were loquacious and friendly, offering their selections which reflected the Berlin fashion and music scene best.

7) Melting Point
neue schönhauser str. 2

In Mitte, this small and sparse space compacts hard-to-find records with popular copies of German pop and electronica. Staff is really friendly and helpful, and listening stations provide hours of entertainment, allowing you to test new sounds before you buy.

8) Thatcher's Store
Kastanienallee 21, Prenzlauer Berg

Street and club wear can be found at this shop, and the newest Berlin trends are showcased in the window, so you can quickly pick out gifts for friends and family as they emulate Berlin style.


STYLE GUIDE:

Most Berliners dress with a very urban and

understanding, preferring geometric shapes and armor-like silhouettes over excessively flow-y fabrics. Most Berliners think of themselves as artists and eschew anything trendy or hip, or at least they say they do, but they are more interested in appearing eclectic and stylish, but on their own terms. Even though Paris or Milan are thought of as the fashion capitals in the world, these two cities have strict style guides that dictate what their citizens should and should not wear in order to be deemed chic. Berlin allows for a much looser understanding of style and taste.

Men favor skinny jeans (not just a trend there, but more like a lifestyle choice) and fashionable, more severe hairstyles (think highly stylized, not the I-just-rolled-out-bed look that the West Coast popularized in the late 90's).

Berliners are all about mobility, so many do not cart around elaborate designer handbags, but choose slimmer options, like messenger bags, backpacks, and (gasp!) fanny packs.

I noticed most urbanites dressed in a dark, monotone palette, preferring to brighten up their look with accessories, especially regarding the footwear. A mixture of textures and fabrics was one trend that really stood out, as many locals layered to achieve the most organically stylish look possible. But many of the students dressed in bold prints and textiles, mixing patterns in a way that one would think may clash, but pulling it off with great panache.

Janne, 19, works as a fashion intern in Berlin, and best describes Berlin style sentiment as she says, "...my style is very colorful. I mix up Scandinavian and British fashion. Fashion is very important for me, especially color combination -- I'm thinking a lot about my style before I leave the house in the morning." She declares that while most of her garments are either self-made or gifts, she alters cheap finds from retailers to make them her own.


Teen Vogue's take on Berlin street fashion.